Spices: Panic selling in India
July 21, 2017 at 10:39 AM ,
Der AUDITOR
Cumin
Rapid price increases have dominated the market this week. Analysts reckon that demand will rise over the next few weeks. The quality is set to deteriorate the longer the monsoon last since precipitation has an adverse impact. The prices for cumin, Grade A, 99% purity have risen from 2,905 USD/mt to 3,025 USD/mt FOB.
Coriander
It is out of the question that prices will rise. Abundant supplies, subdued demand and forecasted rain in central India are pressurising the market. In addition, imports from the Ukraine and Russia are considerable cheaper, despite an import tax oof 36% at a set price of 680 USD/mt. The prices for coriander, Eagle 5%, Split have dropped considerably from 890 to 839 USD/mt FOB.
Turmeric
Below normal monsoon rains in Telanga, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra have delayed sowing. As little as 10-15% of the acreage has so far been sown in Tamil Nadu. Last year as much as 50-60% had already been sown. The prices for turmeric, Finger Salem, Double Polished have risen from 1,188 USD/mt to 1,240 USD/mt FOB.
Mustard seeds
Although prices have considerably increased this week, analysts call for makret players to remain calm. The high prices are bound to deter upcountry buyers. In addition, the low prices for other edible oils, the record production in 2016/17 and the increase in imports of mustard oil should be observed. The noted exception is the stable industrial demand, which prevents prices from dropping. Mustard, micro, machine cleaned is currently trading for 705-755 USD/mt FOB.
Chili
Panic is forcing desperate farmers to sell their products. The problem is that not enough cold storage facilites are available. Although the prices have currenly remained stable, the supply glut redners it hardly worthwhile for the farmers to cultivate chili in the next season. Analysts reckon that acreage will decrease by as much as 40-50%. Chili, S4, stemless is trading for 1,380 USD/mt FOB.